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| Doozie Paschal, Author |
This is one of those questions
that people answer without even thinking about it. However, a lot of people
have different perspectives on this question. Some say the church is a business
because of how it is run. Others say it’s not a business because of its nature
as a body of believers.
Most pastors
will argue that the church is an organization with several branches and
therefore needs money to take care of the cost to maintain it. This is an error
in thinking, trying to attach some form of humanness and worldly definition to
an idea that is of God solely. The church is compared specifically to the
family in the bible; it is a living institution that has the goal to serve. We
are called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength, and
to love our neighbor as ourselves. However, that picture gets convoluted by our
erred perception of reality.
The bigger
question may be what was God’s plan for the church to raise money to do the
work it should do? The answer is in the scriptures: “Upon the first day of the week let every one
of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (I Cor. 16:2).
To introduce any other plan is to depart from the word of God.
Yet another
question maybe, why does this Scriptural provision seem not to be enough for
those who claim to be “advancing
the kingdom”? Simply, because the Church is run like a business
enterprise; Money comes in, a committee decides on what that money should be
used for and plans are set for activities to bring in more money.
Paul did not burden the church but continued to work as a tent maker. The monies
collected by the church went to the needy widows and orphans and not to make a
few individuals rich. Jesus
took up his tool box and lunch box and went to work every single day. Never
once did he ask people for money to support his ministry on earth. Is there any
Ministry on earth bigger
than the one Jesus
himself led?! NO
In recent
years, those asking us to give it all for the “kingdom” have lifestyles we can’t afford as hard
as we work. They drive in the most expensive cars, sleep in the biggest
mansions and wear the most shinny clothes while the rest of the congregation
wallow in extreme poverty. Church members have become mere resources to feed
the wealth and ego of their leaders.
It has
become increasingly difficult for members to have their spiritual, emotional,
mental and physical needs ministered to because they can’t afford their 10%
tithes, first offering, sacrificial offering, mission offering “Kofi n Ama”
offering and many more such contributions. Members have to buy a wide range of
products from “holy water”
to “holy stickers” in order to receive the “blessings of God”.
I sometimes
wonder, if there were no money available, will there still be pastors
bringing the word of God with a joyful heart? For me, whether I’m broke or
wealthy I still serve Jesus, although I seem to do it more when I’m broke.
Those who
give more money are treated like celebrities
and those who pay their tithe
but are unable to provide for the other numerous offerings are rather treated
as though they do not pay their tithes. The need for God is disguised in money.
We cannot serve both God and money and Jesus knew that.
A church
that takes a business philosophy is not only an ugly church but is also putting
people in bondage. If you want to run a business, run a business but don’t run
a church like a business just because you are a Christian. I believe in God and
institutionalized Evangelicalism is a waste of time.
It is a BUSINESS.
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future” (Jeremiah
29;11)
By Paschal Doozie
Email: pascal_kilo@yahoo.com
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